How to help your children with homework without doing it for them

If you’re a parent, by now you know that there are times when your child will need some help with their assignments. They might not have understood everything the teacher taught or maybe they just want to confirm with you if they’re doing the right thing.

If you’re someone like me who also dreaded classwork (especially math), it can be a nightmare that takes you back to all those classes where you barely understood anything.

A parent isn’t meant to do their child’s homework for them. This is damaging because your child will have a hard time during exams when they have to figure out everything on their own.

When your child approaches you with the request to help them with an assignment, prepare yourself to assume the role of a teacher. Many parents have had to learn how to home school their kids especially now because schools are closed due to the virus.

So either way, you have to learn the right way to help with homework without actually doing it for them. Here’s how to do it without losing your temper.

Walk them through with examples

It’s easier for kids to understand when you show them some examples. They might be having a hard time reading through the examples provided for them in their books without someone to guide them.

It’s okay to show them one or two examples first and then get their input before letting them proceed with their work.

Schedule more study time

Homework will be less complicated for them when they study more at home. There are so many distractions like TV, phones, friends and all this can often have a negative effect on their school work. Having time for leisure is important but school work should be one of the top priorities.

Have an encouraging attitude

Be patient with them during the process. Negative and demeaning comments will quickly put down their efforts and esteem. Don’t tell them, ‘how can you not know this?’ or ‘what kind of questions are those?’ even when you know the questions are easy to solve.

Remember that they’re in school to learn and it’s your duty to encourage them as well. You should always be their top cheerleader to help them gain confidence with their schoolwork.

Let them take the lead

You shouldn’t get carried away when helping them with their homework because, you’ll end up doing most of it and they won’t have learnt anything in real sense.

The best way to help them is to find out what the already know and build up from there. This is also a great technique for them to realize their strengths.

Get in touch with the teacher

Your child’s teacher probably understands their academic needs more than you do. They can give you some great guidelines and take note where they need you to tutor your child more.

This will simplify the work and ensure your child gets the help they need. It’s essential to build a healthy parent-teacher relationship.

What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?